Dogs get an extra two months at the beach

DOGS will be allowed on Warrnambool’s main beach and Blue Hole area for two extra months after city councillors unanimously voted to change local laws.

Exclusion season on the beach between the breakwater and the Flume has been shortened and will run from December 1 to March 31, but owners will still be required to have their pets on leads during the April 1 to November 30 approval period.

The off-leash area at Blue Hole Reserve in the Hopkins estuary from the bridge to river mouth will also run from April 1 to November 30.

Council staff will carry out an education and enforcement blitz to make sure dog walkers don’t abuse the privilege.

New signs will be erected detailing the adjusted periods.

Three community submissions were received after the proposal was aired late last year.

The sole opponent complained that rules were already abused because most dogs on the main beach were let off their leads and defecated on the sand and access paths.

The two supporters said Warrnambool’s laws were too restrictive and the year-round approval for horses on the main beach was discriminatory.